A new music venue opens in the heart of Norwich's clubland today.

Ian Shannon, 42, has worked to transform the former Senses nightclub, opposite Chicagos in Prince of Wales Road, into a gig space.

The venue, now called Ascent, has an upstairs live music room with space for 80 people.

Before work on the re-fit started there was a full length bar upstairs, and a DJ booth instead of a stage.

Mr Shannon, who was previously landlord of the Wildman pub, said: 'This is my first live music venue and I'm looking forward to it.

'Me and my brother John have done all the renovation work and the proud moment for me will be when we've got a band on and a room full of people jumping round happy.

'It will make it all worthwhile.'

The first acts booked at Ascent, and performing tonight, are a Rihanna tribute act and an Abba tribute called Planet Abba.

Mr Shannon said he had booked around 40 bands so far, and had plenty of ideas for the venue.

'Live music always brings in a good atmosphere,' he said. 'It's a completely different atmosphere to nightclubs and I think it will make quite a difference for the street.'

He hoped to host live music events every Friday and Saturday, open mic nights on Thursdays and a monthly music night for under 18s.

Mr Shannon has previously run pubs around the country, including in Thetford, Dorset, Hampshire and Watford.

He said he had always liked to get bands into his pubs.

The new venture has created 14 part-time jobs.

Opening hours tonight and tomorrow are 7.30pm to 4am, and entry is free.